Spirochetal infection of the central nervous system.
Four spirochetal diseases frequently involve the central nervous system: syphilis, leptospirosis, relapsing fever, and Lyme borreliosis. In particular, syphilis and Lyme borreliosis are increasing problems. During the spirochetemic phase there is seeding of the nervous system. After a quiescent latent period, there may be late disease flareups producing a variety of neurologic syndromes. Cerebrospinal fluid examination is very helpful in these infections.
Coyle
P K
PK
Health Sciences Center, State University, New York, Stony Brook.
Dattwyler
R
R
D002493:Central Nervous System Diseases; D006801:Humans; D007922:Leptospirosis; D008193:Lyme Disease; D009494:Neurosyphilis; D012061:Relapsing Fever